FLAMES ripped through an area of a historic forest equivalent to the size of about 15 large football pitches last night.

Firefighters were called to Ashdown Forest, near Kingstanding, at about 9.30pm to tackle the blaze.

At about 5am today they managed to bring the fire under control.

The Argus:

Six fire engines and several Land Rovers were in attendence while the fire was ablaze, with the help of Kent and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Services. 

But they have managed to reduce this to two fire engines. 

Fire crews are still at the scene. 

An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "The fire has been brought under control and operations have been scaled back to two fire engines and two Land rovers.

"Crews are expected to remain at the scene for most of the morning dealing with the incident."

The Argus:

The Argus:

Photo credit Aaron Murphy and Ali Close

More as we have it. 

The Argus: